[DFT] Fw: [ChivalryToday] Chivalrous Characters

[Seanan mac Tighearnain]

Chivalrous Characters
By Scott Farrell
©2003 Shining Armor Enterprises
www.ChivalryToday.com

Several weeks ago, I was discussing the Seven Knightly Virtues with a
young friend of mine. We talked about King Arthur and Count Roland, and
as we did, the boy put forth a challenge: He asked me if I could
compose a list of characters taken from today's books, movies and TV
shows that would represent the knightly virtues. "No problem," I said.
"I'll whip one out right away!"

Needless to say, this task was much more difficult than I initially
imagined - proving to me, yet again, that chivalry is a concept that's
more complex and involved than it appears on the surface.

After many, many hours of research, I finally finished my list of
fictional characters who represent the Code of Chivalry in popular
media. (At least I think so, although I don't claim to have my finger
on the pulse of youth culture.) Selecting these characters was an
interesting lesson in chivalry, and a reminder that knightly behavior
is best taught by example. So, here are my choices for the "most
chivalrous characters" that speak to today's children:

Courage - Being courageous means recognizing your own shortcomings and
overcoming your anxieties, and I think Peter Parker (aka Spiderman)
represents this concept very well. He's the "class nerd" with the heart
of hero, and he fights for right even though his reward is often scorn
and ridicule.

Justice - Who is better to exemplify discipline and self-restraint than
Captain Jean-Luc Picard of "Star Trek: The Next Generation"? He knows
that bending the rules for his own benefit (or that of his crew) would
undermine the strength of the laws that bind society together.

Mercy - When I think of someone who is forgiving and never carries a
grudge, I think of Winnie the Pooh - a simple, good-hearted fellow who
always gives others the benefit of the doubt. You can't imagine
Pooh-Bear being angry or vindictive under any circumstances.

Generosity - Sharing, working as a team and building community spirit -
that sounds like Dorothy Gale from "The Wizard of Oz" to me. She
devoted time and energy to helping others, even when she was the one
who was lost and afraid.

Faith - A fine example of integrity and faithfulness is Charlie Bucket
from "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." In the face of
temptation he realized that self-respect was more important than
profit, and he stood by the commitment he'd made.

Nobility - It isn't just the title of "king" that makes Mufasa an
example of nobility in "The Lion King." He sticks to his principles in
all situations, and he knows the importance of setting a good example
for others.

Hope - One character whose indomitable cheer refreshes everyone around
her is Willow Rosenberg of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." No matter
how many fearsome monsters stalk the streets of Sunnydale, Willow
always has a smile at the end of the show.

There's another interesting aspect to each of these characters - in
considering their personalities and actions, distinguishing a single
knightly virtue is very difficult. Although their roles emphasize one
aspect of their personalities, these characters demonstrate that when
it comes to the Seven Knightly Virtues, you can't have one without
having them all.

Are these characters the "definitive" embodiments of each of the Seven
Knightly Virtues? Probably not - I'll bet you could suggest a few of
your own in each category. But I think they will stand the test of time
as heroes who inspire the children of today, and who will continue to
do so for generations of kids (and adults who are young at heart) to
come.

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What's new at Chivalry Today:
Chivalry can be found in many places - which is the purpose of our new
"character education and ethical issues" section on the Chivalry Today
website. We provide a variety of sites where you can read about the
real-life heroes of today, and contemplate ethical questions that are
as current and timely as the front page of today's paper. You'll find
this new section under the "resources" link in the left-hand navigation
bar at www.ChivalryToday.com .

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Readers are permitted and encouraged to share this article with young
readers, students or anyone who is fascinated with the Seven Knightly
Virtues. Please include all copyright statements and attributions when
sharing Chivalry Today articles. Copyright 2003 Scott Farrell and
Shining Armor Enterprises. Visit our website at www.ChivalryToday.com .